Conservatory Pages

Joining the Team

The photograph above shows most of the Conservatory volunteering team at a get-together in January 2018.

Volunteers don't need to be horticultural experts.

There are three different ways in which you can help:

Stewarding: We open the Conservatory to the general public on two afternoons each week - between 2 and 4pm in the winter and between 2.30 and 4.30 in the summer. There are always two stewards on duty and we like to give the public a warm welcome. Before their first duty new Stewards will be given an introduction to the Conservatory and the plants in it, and their fellow Steward on duty will be experienced and able to answer any questions that arise. Normally stewards only work one afternoon every four weeks.

Watering: On days when the Conservatory is closed to the public volunteers visit the Conservatory and water those plants in need of it. In summer this is a more demanding task than in winter. We have installed an automatic watering system, but a daily visit is still necessary.

Work-ins: Every six weeks or so all volunteers meet for a Saturday work-in from about 10.00am to 12.30pm. Major works are undertaken on these occasions, including re-potting and re-planting, propagation, or maintenance of the area outside the Conservatory. There is an obligatory refreshment break, and home-made cake is always on offer!

If you think you would like to join the volunteer team in any or all of the above activities then please email Liz Macnicol.